Time Lapse 8

A Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus) makes his BirdCam debut while the Rhododendron 'Kristin' blossoms continue to open.  According to iBird, these birds prefer open deciduous woodlands near water, with a mixture of trees and shrubs.  This aptly describes the small wetland habitat across the road.  They are fond of safflower seed which is currently stocked at the BirdCam station.  They are not year-around residents on South Fidalgo, but a few come every spring and summer.  This is a male in breeding condition.  Above, the BirdCam also caught something flying off in the upper left corner.  Below, he has a tortoiseshell appearance from the back.